Matricaria
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Matricaria is a genus of flowering plants in the chamomile tribe within the sunflower family.<ref>Linnaeus, Carl von. 1753. Species Plantarum 2: 890–891 in Latin.</ref><ref>Tropicos, Matricaria L.</ref> Some of the species have the common name of "mayweed", but this name also refers to plants not in this genus.
DescriptionEdit
Their many-branched stems are prostrate to erect, glabrous, and very leafy. Their bipinnate leaves have numerous linear, narrowly lobed leaflets.<ref name="r">Flora of North America, Vol. 19, 20 and 21 Page 540 Mayweed, chamomile, matricary, matricaire, chamomille Matricaria Linnaeus, Sp. Pl. 2: 890. 1753; Gen. Pl. ed. 5, 380. 1754.</ref>
The flowers are radially symmetrical. The greenish-yellow capitula are semi-spherical. The white ray florets can be present (M. recutita) or lacking (M. discoidea). The disc florets are 4- to 5-dentate. The receptacle is 2–3 times as high as wide. The pappus may be crown-shaped and short, or lacking.<ref name="r" />
TaxonomyEdit
The taxonomy of Matricaria is controversial and very confused. Several species are classified either in Tripleurospermum or Matricaria depending on the interpretation of the author. The distinction is made according to the number of the seed ribs: Tripleurospermum has one adaxial and two lateral seed ribs, while Matricaria has four or five adaxial seed ribs.<ref>A reassessment of the nomenclature of Matricaria L. and Tripleurospermum Sch. Bip. (Asteraceae) - Applequist W. L.; Taxon, 1 November 2002, vol. 51, no. 4, pp. 757–761(5).</ref>
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Distribution and habitatEdit
Most are very common in the temperate regions of Eurasia and North America, as well as in northern and southern Africa, with some also being naturalised in Australia. Matricaria occidentalis is native to North America; other species have been introduced there.<ref name="r" /><ref>Flora of China Vol. 20-21 Page 771 母菊属 mu ju shu Matricaria Linnaeus, Sp. Pl. 2: 890. 1753.</ref><ref>Altervista Flora Italiana, genere Matricaria includes photos and distribution maps.</ref>
These are hardy, pleasantly aromatic annuals, growing along roadsides in ruderal communities and in fallow land rich in nutrients. Though many are considered nuisance weeds, they are suitable for rock gardens and herb gardens, and as border plants.
EcologyEdit
Matricaria species are used as food plants by the larvae of some Lepidoptera species (caterpillars) including lime-speck pug.
UsesEdit
The extract of Matricaria chamomilla (or recutita) (German chamomile) is taken as a strong tea. It has been used in herbal medicine as a carminative and anti-inflammatory. It is also used in ointments and lotions, and as a mouthwash against infections of mouth and gums. Aromatherapy uses two essential oils of chamomile: the "true chamomile" oil (or German chamomile oil, from M. recutita) and the Roman chamomile oil (from Chamaemelum nobile).